Apparatus and method for manufacturing multi-component plastic molded parts

ABSTRACT

In a method of making multi-component plastic molded parts, using an apparatus which includes two outer platens with first half-molds, and a middle platen with second half-molds interacting with the first half-molds such as to define cavities in two parting planes for injection of a plastic melt and/or a PUR mixture, one of the first and second half-molds can move in increments relative to the other one of the first and second half-molds, thereby forming different cavities in the parting planes from cycle to cycle. In a first cycle preforms are produced in respective cavities and then held in one of the first and second half-molds as the other one of the first and second half-molds moves in increments. Further components can then be injected into cavities formed in the parting planes from cycle to cycle, while another process step can be executed from cycle to cycle in free half-molds.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior filed co-pending PCTInternational Application Number PCT/EP2007/053264, filed Apr. 3, 2007,which designated the United States and has been published, but not inEnglish, as International Publication Number WO 2007/113305, and onwhich priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120, and which claimspriority of German Patent Application, Serial Number 10 2006 016 200.5,filed Apr. 6, 2006, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d), the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method formanufacturing multi-component plastic molded parts.

Typically, in a first cycle of the manufacturing process ofmulti-component plastic molded parts, a preform is made from a firstcomponent in a first cavity. Subsequently, the second component ismolded onto the preform in a second cavity. The individual componentscan be made of different thermoplastics and may have different colors.Certain components may also be provided with filler material. Instead ofthermoplastic components, polyurethane (PUR) components can be provided.It is also known to manufacture multi-component plastic molded partshaving a thermoplastic component and a PUR component.

German patent DE 196 50 854 discloses a method and an apparatus formanufacturing multi-component plastic molded parts using rotary tabletechniques. An injection-molded plastic part is hereby coated with atleast one layer of a 2-component thermoset. Both components aresuccessively molded in the same mold in a cycle-synchronous manner. Abase plate is hereby used which carries two identical half-moldsside-by-side. The base plate is supported for rotation about ahorizontal and longitudinal machine axis. Female molds of an injectionmolding machine and a RIM apparatus are arranged opposite thehalf-molds. After the injecting molding machine injects thermoplasticmaterial, the base plate is rotated by 180° about the horizontal andlongitudinal machine axis. In the next cycle, a new thermoplastic partis molded and the thermoplastic part of the first cycle is coated withthe 2-component thermoset.

The article “Hochwertige Premiumoberflächen aus Spritzgieβ- undReaktionstechnik”, [High-Quality Premium Surfaces Made byInjection-Molding and Reaction Techniques], describes on pages 180-182in the 10/2004 edition of the magazine “Kunststoffe” [Plastics] anothermethod for manufacturing multi-component plastic molded parts from afirst thermoplastic component and a second PUR component. A station forinjecting the thermoplastic material is provided on the fixed side of aclamping unit of a known injection molding machine. On the movable side,a mixing head of a RIM apparatus (RIM: Reaction Injection Molding) forthe PUR component is docked to the half-mold that is arranged there. RIMapparatuses are known and essentially include conveying and meteringdevices for individual chemicals to be processed, such as polyol,polyisocyanate, and possible additives, such as dyes, foaming agents,etc. A sliding table for the fixed half-mold is provided at the fixedside of the clamping unit in order to move the fixed half-mold from theposition “injection molding” to the position “PUR molding”, and viceversa. In the mold position “injection molding”, a carrier such as acarrier made of polyamide plastics is pre-molded. At the end of thecooling period, the mold opens and the sliding table moves to theposition “PUR molding”. After the mold closes, the PUR molding skin isinjected into the enlarged cavity via the mixing head that is connectedwith the RIM mixing and metering unit.

It is further known in the related art to produce multi-componentplastic molded parts using so-called reversing plate techniques(Johnnaber/Michaeli, Handbuch Spritzgieβen, [Handbook Injection Molding]2001, ISBN 3-446-15632-1, Picture 6.80 on page 508). A middle platen,often called a reversing plate, is hereby rotatably supported betweentwo outer platens. After the preform is produced in the first partingplane, the middle platen transports the preform to the second partingplane. There, the second component is molded onto the preform.

WO 03/013824 discloses manufacturing of multi-component plastic moldedparts from a thermoplastic carrier and a PUR molding skin using thereversing plate techniques. A machine frame movably supports two outerplatens. A supporting frame is mounted on the machine bed between thetwo outer platens. In the machine bed, a middle platen is supported forrotation about a vertical rotation axis. The middle platen can beplate-shaped and receive two half-molds. Alternatively, the middleplaten can be cube-shaped so as to receive four half-molds. A suitabledrive-and-locking-assembly can move the outer platens towards and awayfrom the middle platen and lock the platens. In order to produce amulti-component molded plastic part from a thermoplastic base componentand a PUR molding skin, one of the outer platens can be coupled with aninjection unit for the thermoplastic base component, and the other outerplaten can be coupled with a RIM apparatus. Handling robots, such as aprocessing robot and a removal robot, can be provided to the side of theclamping unit. For example, the processing robot can treat the surfaceof the base component. In a first cycle, the base component is made ofthermoplastic material and is injection-molded on the side of theinjection unit. After the required cooling period, the clamping unit isopened and the just molded base component is surface-treated. The platenis rotated by 180°, and the half-molds are closed again. In thesubsequent cycle, a new thermoplastic base component is molded on theside of the injection unit, whereas, on the opposite side, a PURreaction mixture is injected into the mold via a mixing head and a PURskin is formed on the surface of the base component.

Common to the prior art described above is the production of a preformin the one parting plane and molding of the second component onto thepreform in the other parting plane while a new preform is produced inthe first parting plane at the same time.

It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide a method andan apparatus to obviate prior art shortcomings and to increaseproductivity in producing multi-component molded plastic parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of makingmulti-component plastic molded parts, using an apparatus which includestwo outer platens with outer first half-molds, and a middle platen withmiddle second half-molds interacting with the first half-molds such asto define cavities in two parting planes for injection of a plastic meltand/or a PUR mixture, includes the steps of allowing one of the firstand second half-molds to move in increments in relation to the other oneof the first and second half-molds to thereby form different cavities intwo parting planes from cycle to cycle, producing in a first cyclepreforms in the cavities respectively formed in the two parting planesbetween respective ones of the first and second half-molds, holding thepreforms in one of the first and second half-molds as the other one ofthe first and second half-molds moves in increments and injectingfurther components into the cavities formed in the two parting planesfrom cycle to cycle, and allowing from cycle to cycle to execute apretreatment or another process step in free ones of the first andsecond half-molds.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus formaking multi-component plastic molded parts includes two outer platenshaving outer half-molds, a middle platen positioned between the outerplatens, a clamping unit for closing and locking four of the half-moldsof the outer platens and the middle platen at one time to thereby definetwo parting planes, wherein the middle platen carries at least two of afirst type of half-molds that are different from each other and at leasttwo of a second type of half-molds that are different from each other soas to successively form in the parting planes with the half-molds of theouter platens different cavities while leaving free half-molds forallowing pretreatment or a further process step, and wherein the outerhalf-molds are constructed for holding molded parts.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatusfor making multi-component plastic molded parts includes two outerplatens, each having mounted thereon a plurality of half-molds, a middleplaten positioned between the outer platens, a clamping unit for closingand locking four of the half-molds of the outer platens and the middleplaten at one time to thereby define two parting planes, wherein themiddle platen has a plurality of mold halves which are constructed tohold molded parts, wherein the outer platens move in increments inrelation to the middle platen to thereby form, from cycle to cycle,different cavities in the two parting planes and leaving free half-moldsfor allowing pretreatment or a further process step.

The present invention resolves prior art shortcomings by allowingseveral production steps to be successively executed in both partingplanes. This causes an increase in the cycle period. Still, as twomolded plastic parts are produced in each cycle, the cycle period permolded part is less than when applying reversing plate techniques.Depending on the application, it is possible to produce, for example, ina first cycle thermoplastic preforms and, in a second cycle, thethermoplastic preforms may be flooded with a PUR component.Alternatively, the second thermoplastic component may be molded onto thepreform. Also, the preform may be produced from a first PUR mixture andsubsequently flooded with a second PUR mixture. Additional, differentcavities may be formed and additional components may be added in furthercycles. Additional thermoplastic components can be molded and/oradditional PUR mixtures may be provided for flooding purposes.

Various pretreatments in the free half-molds of the middle platen may bemade during the production process of the preforms and/or during theflooding or molding onto the preforms.

The processing of PUR mixtures oftentimes involves the use of so-calledmold release agents to avoid adhesion of the PUR component in thehalf-mold. A mold release agent may be added into the free PUR half-moldor into the free PUR half-molds, for example via a spraying process.Furthermore, there is sufficient time for the mold release agent tovent, without causing an increase in the cycle period. Also, the moldrelease agent may be vented in a targeted manner, e.g., by using air toblow the PUR half-mold clear. Alternatively, PUR residues may be removedby cleaning the free half-molds, e.g., by means of rotating brushes orby means of a plasma process, etc.

Further, the PUR half-molds may be dyed before the PUR addition. The dyebonds with the subsequently introduced PUR material. In this manner,coated components can be produced in the mold (also known as In MoldCoating (IMC) process). In accordance with an exemplary method of thepresent invention, varnish may be added into the free PUR half-mold foran In Mold Coating process while, in a first cycle, a plastic basecomponent is molded. In the second cycle, PUR material is floodedbetween the base component and the coated PUR half-mold. In this manner,an additional surface finish (coat of varnish) may be realizedcycle-synchronously with a 2-component process.

Furthermore, inserts and/or decoration materials such as fabrics, foils,etc. may be inserted and affixed for the subsequent processes. A PURcoating may then be introduced between the insert (e.g., a foil) and theplastic carrier. It is hereby advantageous that the PUR material buildup only a low internal mold pressure so as to be prevented from damagingthe insert. This method is of particular advantage when sensitivedecoration materials and varnished foils are involved. In addition,because of the insert, there is no need to add a mold release agent forthe PUR half-mold. It is also possible to position the inserts only onareas of the surface of the PUR half-mold. This allows for production ofa surface comprised of the insert material and the inserted PURmaterial.

The present invention is also advantageous with respect to producing apair of plastic molded parts, comprised of a right part and a left part.Such a pair may be produced in each cycle if the right part is producedin the one parting plane and the left part is produced in the otherparting plane. This can be done simultaneously and in the same cycle.

According to another feature of the present invention, the middle platenmay have a prism-shaped configuration with more than four mold platenareas. For example, the middle platen may be hexagonal or octagonal withsix or eight mold platen areas, respectively.

Suitable combinations of injection units and PUR mixing heads areprovided at the outer platens and/or the outer half-molds, depending onthe application.

The production of multi-component plastic molded parts from athermoplastic base component that is to be flooded with a PUR component,may involve the provision of known injection units on the outer platensand their docking to the outer half-molds, while the mixing heads forflooding with a PUR mixture may be docked laterally at the outerhalf-molds, for example in an “L” position with respect to therespective injection unit or in a vertical position. The mixing headsmay be securely mounted on the half-molds or, using suitable robots, maybe docked onto the half-molds, for example, only for the time period offlooding the preform with the PUR mixture. A single PUR meteringfacility may supply the PUR mixture to multiple PUR mixing heads. Ofcourse, it is also conceivable to provide each mixing head with its ownPUR metering facility.

During the manufacturing process of multi-component plastic molded partsfrom multiple thermoplastic components, further injection units may beprovided in an L-position, a piggyback position, or a vertical position,in addition to the injection units at the outer platens.

A suction or exhaust device may be provided above the area of the freehalf-molds of the middle platen and/or the outer platens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an injection molding machine inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of a module frame of the injectionmolding machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a turntable or rotary table of themodule frame illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a starting position of a clampingunit, with confronting half-molds in open position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the clamping unit in closedposition, with the confronting half-molds being closed;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an opening movement of theclamping unit;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a counterclockwise rotation of amiddle platen of the injection molding machine of FIG. 1 to confrontdifferent half-molds;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the clamping unit in closedposition, with the confronting half-molds of FIG. 7 being closed andlocked;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of removal of different finishedcomponents from the half-molds;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a clockwise rotation of themiddle platen to confront different half-molds;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a pretreatment at freehalf-molds;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of one parting plane remainingunused;

FIG. 13 is another schematic illustration of one parting plane beingunused;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to thepresent invention, having incorporated a safety device;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of a variation of a rotatablemiddle platen;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to thepresent invention, having a linearly movable middle platen; and

FIG. 17 shows a schematic illustration of an apparatus according to thepresent invention, having a fixed middle platen and outer slidingtables.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout all the figures, same or corresponding elements are generallyindicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments are tobe understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting inany way. It should also be understood that the drawings are notnecessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustratedby graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations andfragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessaryfor an understanding of the present invention or which render otherdetails difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

Turning now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shownan injection molding machine 1 having a machine bed 35, a fixed platen2, a movable platen 4, and a cube-shaped middle platen 6 between theplatens 2, 4. The platens 2, 4 support half-molds 3, 5, respectively,which, together with half-molds of the platen 6, form cavities. Themovable platen 4 is moved towards or away from the platen 2 via tie-bars8 that are extended through the fixed platen 2. Also shown is a drive 10to move the platen 4, and injection units 7, 9. The injection unit 7 issupported on a frame 11 which is mounted to the movable platen 4,whereas the injection unit 9 is supported on the machine bed 35. A firstPUR mixing head 12 is docked to the movable half-mold 5 and connected toa first PUR metering facility 13. A second PUR mixing head 14 is dockedto the fixed half-mold 3 and connected to a second PUR meteringfacility. The entire assembly comprised of the drive 10 and the platens2, 4, 6 is supported on a module frame 20, which, in turn, is mounted onthe machine bed 35 of the injection molding machine.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of details of the module frame 20,and FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a turntable 36 in the module frame20. The module frame 20 supports a base plate 26 for movement in linearguides 22. The base plate 26 may be moved hereby in the longitudinaldirection of the machine via hydraulic cylinder 24 or spindle drives orin some similar manner. The base plate 26 supports the turntable 36,which is rotatably supported on the base plate 26 via suitable bearings.The upper side of the module frame 20 has sliding guides 28 for themovable platen 4. A strut 30 receives the fixed platen 2. Struts 32, 34close the module frame 20 to the outside and may, for example, supportthe plate of the drive. The rotatably supported turntable 36 may bedriven, for example, via a gear ring and an intermeshing bevel thatmeshes with the gear ring, as is known in international publication WO01/10624 A1.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 to 10 which show schematic illustrations of theprocess sequence.

FIG. 4 shows a starting situation at the beginning of a cycle, in whichthe clamping unit of the injection molding machine is open.Subsequently, the clamping unit is closed by a closing movement, asindicated by the arrows, and then locked. This situation is shown inFIG. 5. The half-molds A1 and A2 now form a first cavity A1+A2 in thefirst parting plane (parting plane A) for producing a preform of thecomponent A. Likewise, the half-molds B1 and B2 form a first cavityB1+B2 in the second parting plane (parting plane B) for producing apreform of the component B. By means of the injection units 7, 9,thermoplastic melt is injected into the thus-formed cavities, andpreforms for the components A and B are produced. Simultaneously, apretreatment may be performed in the free half-molds A3 and B3 viarobots 16 and 17 and their gripper and pretreatment units 18, 19. Forexample, a mold release agent may be sprayed onto the surfaces of thehalf-molds A3, B3.

In the next step, the clamping unit is opened by an opening movement(FIG. 6), with the preforms remaining attached to the outer half-moldsA1, B1. Subsequently, the middle platen 6 is rotated by 90°,counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 7, or clockwise, as shown in FIG. 10,and the clamping unit is closed and locked again, resulting in asituation as shown in FIG. 8. The half-molds A3, A1 and the half-moldsB3, B1 now form new cavities, respectively, in which the thermoplasticpreforms are situated. By means of the PUR mixing heads 12, 14, thethermoplastic preforms can now be flooded with a PUR molding skin. Afterthe reaction time for the PUR reaction lapses, the clamping unit can beopened and the finished components A, B can be removed from thehalf-molds A1, B1. This is shown in FIG. 9, which also schematicallyshows that the components A and B are different. For example, the Acomponent may be the left part and the B component may be a right partof a pair of plastic molded parts, such as the left and right doorlining of a car door. Subsequently, the middle platen 6 is rotated backby 90° and the clamping unit assumes its starting position again, asshown in FIG. 4. A new cycle may now begin.

A suction device may be arranged outside the clamping unit above thelateral area of the half-molds A3, B3 in FIG. 4. This ensures that gasesproduced by the mold release agent gases and, optionally, varnish areexhausted to comply with safety guidelines, when the half-molds A3, B3are used PUR half-molds.

It is not necessary that both components A and B be removedsimultaneously. Optionally, only the parting plane B may be opened, andthe parting plane A may be kept closed. This may be necessary if the PURmixtures in the two parting planes A and B have different reaction timesand/or if the thermoplastic components require different coolingperiods. In this manner, the two components A and B may be removed bythe same robot, which is successively moved into the parting planes A, Bto the half-molds A1 and B1.

Instead of the pretreatment described above, other pretreatments orprocess steps may be performed at the free half-molds, depending on theapplication. For example, the free half-molds may be cleaned. In PURprocessing, it is repeatedly necessary to clean the PUR half-molds,since PUR processing results in deposits on the mold surface. Mold areasor mold-halves may be cyclically cleaned using a plasma process, forexample. It is also possible to apply a varnish for an In Mold Coatingprocess in this cycle. It is also possible to place inserts ordecoration materials such as fabrics or foils in the free half-molds andto secure them there. The finished component then comprises the twoplastic components and the insert or the decoration material.

In the event, the second component does not involve a PUR mixture butinvolves an additional thermoplastic component to be molded on,additional injection units may be provided in a known manner in anL-position, a piggyback position or a vertical arrangement on the twoplatens.

Using the method and apparatus according to the invention, only threemold-halves per component are needed. By contrast, in the standard2-component method using the above-described reversing plate techniques,four mold-halves per component are needed. Based on a cycle period of,e.g., 60-70 seconds for a finished component on a turntable-typeinjection molding machine or a reversing plate injection moldingmachine, a cycle period of 90-100 seconds is needed for producing thesame component using the method according to the invention. However, twocomponents A and B are produced in one cycle, resulting in a cycleperiod of about 45-50 seconds per component. This leads to a relativelysignificant cycle period advantage.

In addition, using the injection molding machine according to theinvention, two different components may be produced (left component andright component), whereas, conventionally, two machines are necessary.Only one mold set having three half-molds per component is needed. In astandard reversing plate application, at least four half-molds areneeded. As a result, the mold cost per component is significantlyminimized.

Removal devices may be mounted on the fixed and/or the movable platen.It is further possible to mount a single removal device, e.g., a6-axis-robot, on the middle platen. In this manner, one removal devicecan be used for both parting planes A and B.

FIG. 11 shows schematically the presence of a heat pretreatment at thefree half-molds A2, B2. For this purpose, the two laterally positionedrobots 16, 17 have radiant heaters 35, 36 by means of which heatingfields 37, 38 can be generated. The radiant heaters 35, 36 may perform apretreatment of the entire areas or of partial areas of the freehalf-molds A2, A3, B2 and B3, while, simultaneously, an injectionmolding process and/or a PUR molding process is performed in therespectively closed half-molds. Particularly when a thermoplasticpreform is flooded with a PUR mixture, preheating of the entire areas orof partial areas of the PUR half-molds A3, B3 is advantageous becausethe PUR reaction may then be accelerated and improved PUR surfaces maybe realized. During the reaction time, the PUR half-mold cools downagain to a temperature that is preset by a medium for maintaining atemperature so as to carry off the reaction heat and to prevent thethermoplastic preform from excessively heating up.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show exemplary embodiments of the invention wherein oneparting plane remains free. According to FIG. 12, a dummy mold 39 (B1D)is mounted on the fixed platen 2 in the parting plane of the half-moldsB. The half-molds B2, B3 are not needed. According to in FIG. 13, dummymolds 40 (B2D) and 41 (B3D) are mounted on the middle platen 6. Thehalf-mold B1 is not needed. However, it is also possible to replace allthree half-molds B1, B2 and B3 with respective dummy half-molds B1D,B2D, and B3D. Typically, however, it is sufficient to provide only onedummy half-mold B1D instead of the three half-molds B1, B2, and B3. Byusing dummy molds B1D, B2D and/or B3D, the working plane may becontinued to be operated with the A-molds and, simultaneously, theB-molds outside the injection molding machine may be examined orprocessed, e.g., to correct surface defects. The dummy molds serve asplace holders for the actual B-molds.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention having a safetydevice. The apparatus according to the invention is surrounded by asafety fence 43 on the operator side, and a safety fence 42 opposite tothe operator side of the apparatus. The safety fences 42, 43 includesafety doors 44, 45. The two safety fences abut at positions 46, 47 andmay be connected with each other there so as to form a closed safetyarea. Instead of the two safety fences 43, 44, only one safety fence maybe provided that has one or more safety doors. Parts of the injectionmolding machine may protrude from the safety fence where the safetyfences abut (positions 46, 47), for example parts of the respectiveplasticizing units. Furthermore, additional safety measures may beprovided. For example, light barriers 48, 49 may be provided, whichsubstantially include a light source 50 and a receiver or detector 51,and which are connected to a control unit for the safety measures viawires (not shown). Also, a safety assembly 52 may be provided, forexample two switches 52 a, 52 b arranged at a certain distance from eachother and which only generate a release signal to operate the machine ifthey are actuated simultaneously. The distance of the two switches 52 a,52 b is chosen such that the operator may actuate the switches 52 a, 52b simultaneously only with spread arms.

Instead of the platen 6 having two half-molds per parting plane (A2, A3or B2, B3), more than two half-molds per parting plane may be providedon the middle platen 6, depending on how many components are to beattached in the subsequent cycles to the preforms produced in the firstcycle. FIG. 15 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of arotatable middle platen 60, wherein more than four half-molds perparting plane are provided, namely A2, A3, A4 and A5 for theunillustrated half-mold A1, and B2, B3, B4 and B5 for the unillustratedhalf-mold B1.

FIG. 16 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention having a linearly movable middle platen 61 that has twoparallel platen areas, e.g., in the form of a rectangular mold mountingplate. The half-molds A2, A3, . . . B2, B3, . . . may be affixed on bothsides of this middle platen and may engage with the outer half-molds A1and B1 so as to form different cavities from cycle to cycle. In FIG. 16,the middle platen 61 is fixed with respect to the longitudinal directionof the machine, whereas the outer platens 62 and 63 with the outerhalf-molds A1 and B1 may be moved in the longitudinal direction of themachine. The middle platen 61 is movable perpendicularly to thelongitudinal axis of the machine, e.g., horizontally or vertically, sothat, from cycle to cycle, the half-molds A2, A3 . . . and B2, B3, . . .and the outer half-molds A1 and B2 may be brought together. It is alsopossible to provide a fixed outer platen and a movable outer platen, inwhich case the middle platen 61 is movable in the longitudinal directionof the machine.

FIG. 17 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the half-molds A1, B1 are mounted on a fixed middleplaten 66, and wherein the additional half-molds A2, A3, . . . and B2,B3, . . . are mounted on outer sliding tables 64 and 65. The outersliding tables 64 and 65, in turn, are movably mounted to the outerplatens 62 and 63 and may be moved together with the outer platens 62and 63. However, it is also possible to provide a fixed outer platen anda movable outer platen, in which case the middle platen 66 is movable inthe longitudinal direction of the machine.

A suitable apparatus thus includes two outer platens having outerhalf-molds and a middle platen having intermediate or middle half-molds.Further, provided is a clamping unit for closing and locking fourhalf-molds, wherein two parting planes are formed. The half-molds arehereby arranged in such a manner that, from cycle to cycle, successivelydifferent cavities are simultaneously formed in both parting planes. Inthe one parting plane, the A half-molds (A1, A2, A3, . . . ) are broughttogether, and in the other parting plane, the B half-molds (B1, B2, B3,. . . ) are brought together, with the A1 half-mold being broughttogether in increments with the other A half-molds, and with the B1half-mold being brought together in increments with the other Bhalf-molds. In this manner, successively different cavities may beformed from cycle to cycle in the two parting planes. In the one partingplane, the cavities A1+A2, A1+A3, A1+A4, . . . are formed, and, in theother parting plane, the cavities B1+B2, B1+B3, B1+B4, . . . are formed.The A and B half-molds may be configured so as to produce identical ordifferent molded parts. In the latter case, a right part and a left partof a pair of molded parts may be involved, for example, such as parts ofa door lining of an automobile. Furthermore, injection units and/or PURfacilities may be provided which are docked onto or can be docked ontothe platens and/or the half-molds.

The middle platen 6 may have at least two A half-molds (A2, A3, . . . )that are different from each other and at least two B half-molds (B2,B3, . . . ) that are different from each other. The outer half-molds A1and B1 are mounted on the outer platens 2, 4, which can be embodied asclassic mold platens, for example. In the two parting planes,successively different cavities may be formed from cycle to cycle:A1+A2, A1+A3, . . . in the one parting plane and B1+B2, B1+B3, . . . inthe other parting plane. The half-molds are constructed in such a mannerthat they can hold the preforms in them. The middle platen 6 may berotatable. The middle platen 6 may be cube-shaped or prism-shaped, androtatable about a vertical or horizontal axis so that the differentcavities may be formed from cycle to cycle in the two parting planes.

As an alternative, the middle platen may be plate-shaped or similarlyshaped and includes two parallel platen areas, with the A half-molds(A2, A3, . . . ) relating to or assigned to the first A half-mold (A1)being arranged on the one platen area, and the other B half-molds (B2,B3, . . . ) relating to or assigned to the first B half-mold (B1) beingarranged on the other platen area. The middle platen 6 moves verticallywith respect to the longitudinal axis of the machine, from cycle tocycle, so that, from cycle to cycle, different cavities can be formed inthe two parting planes.

As a further alternative, the functions of the middle platen 6 and theouter platen 2, 4 can also be reversed. Accordingly, the first Ahalf-mold A1 and the first B half-mold B1 are arranged on the middleplaten 6, whereas the other A half-molds (A2, A3, . . . ) are arrangedon one of the outer platens 2, 4 and the other B half-molds (B2, B3, . .. ) are arranged on the other one of the outer platens 2, 4. The twoouter platens 2, 4 can be linearly moved in increments and/or rotatedabout a horizontal axis in increments so that different cavities areformed in both parting planes, from cycle to cycle. For example, theplatens may be sliding tables or turntables which, in turn, may bemounted on the outer platens.

A suitable apparatus includes a fixed platen and a movable platen (theouter platens) arranged on a machine bed, between which the middleplaten is moved on a sliding table in the longitudinal direction of themachine and between which the middle platen is pivotable around avertical axis. The middle platen is cube-shaped and carries fourhalf-molds (A2, A3, B2, B3). Two adjacent ones of these half-molds (A2,A3 or B2, B3) relate to or are assigned to an outer platen to formcavities of different size. The outer half-molds are shaped in such amanner that the preform remains therein.

It is also possible to provide two moving outer platens on a machinebed, with the middle platen being fixedly connected with the machine bedbetween the outer platens and rotatable about a vertical axis. Themiddle platen is cube-shaped and carries four half-molds (A2, A3, B2,B3). Two adjacent ones of these half-molds (A2, A3 or B2, B3) relate toor are assigned to an outer platen.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in connectionwith currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail it isnot intended to be limited to the details shown since variousmodifications and structural changes may be made without departing inany way from the spirit of the present invention. The embodiments werechosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theinvention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilledin the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

1. A method of making multi-component plastic molded parts, using anapparatus which includes two outer platens with outer first half-molds,and a middle platen with middle second half-molds interacting with thefirst half-molds such as to define cavities in two parting planes forinjection of a plastic melt and/or a PUR mixture, said method comprisingthe steps of: allowing one of the first and second half-molds to move inincrements in relation to the other one of the first and secondhalf-molds to thereby form different cavities in the two parting planesfrom cycle to cycle; producing in a first cycle preforms in the cavitiesrespectively formed in the two parting planes between respective ones ofthe first and second half-molds; holding the preforms in one of thefirst and second half-molds as the other one of the first and secondhalf-molds moves in increments and injecting further components into thecavities formed in the two parting planes from cycle to cycle; andallowing from cycle to cycle to execute a pretreatment or anotherprocess step in free ones of the first and second half-molds.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the middle platen has a cube-shaped orprism-shaped configuration, said moving step including the step ofrotating the middle platen in relation to the outer platens about avertical axis or a horizontal axis, with the different cavities beingformed in the two parting planes from cycle to cycle.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the middle platen has two parallel platen areas, withone of the platen areas carrying a first plurality of the secondhalf-molds of the middle platen, which cooperate with one of the firsthalf-molds of the outer platens, and the other one of the platen areascarrying a second plurality of the second half-molds of the middleplaten, which cooperate with another one of the first half-molds of theouter platens, said moving step including the step of linearly movingthe middle platen in increments in perpendicular relationship to alongitudinal apparatus axis, with the different cavities being formed inthe two parting planes from cycle to cycle.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the middle platen has a plate-shaped configuration.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein one of the outer platens carries a firstplurality of the first half-molds and the other one of the outer platenscarries a second plurality of the first half-molds, said moving stepincluding the step of linearly moving the outer platens in increments inrelation to the middle platen.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein one ofthe outer platens carries a first plurality of the first half-molds andthe other one of the outer platens carries a second plurality of thefirst half-molds, said moving step including the step of rotating theouter platens in increments in relation to the middle platen.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the producing step includes the step ofmolding the preforms from a thermoplastic component in the two partingplanes, and further comprising the step of flooding the preforms with aPUR mixture in the two parting planes in a second cycle.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein the producing step includes the step of molding thepreforms from a thermoplastic component in the two parting planes, andfurther comprising the step of molding a second thermoplastic componentonto the preforms.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the producing stepincludes the step of molding the preforms from a first PUR mixture inthe two parting planes, and further comprising the step of flooding thepreforms with a second PUR mixture in the two parting planes in a secondcycle.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the pretreatment or otherprocess step involves one process selected from the group consisting ofpreheating, addition of a mold release agent, venting of the moldrelease agent, cleaning, addition of varnish for an In Mold Coatingprocess, and placing and securing at least one of insertion parts anddecoration materials.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at leastone of the insertion parts and decoration materials is selected from thegroup consisting of fabrics, foils, aluminum strips, and metal strips.12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of successivelyopening the parting planes.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein theparting planes are opened when PUR mixtures in the two parting planeshave different reaction times or the preforms in the two parting planeshave different cooling periods.
 14. The method of claim 1, for theproduction of a pair of plastic molded parts, comprised of a right partand a left part, wherein the right part is produced in one of theparting planes; and the left part is produced in the other one of theparting planes.
 15. The method of claim 1, for the production ofdifferent plastic molded parts, wherein a main component is produced inone of the parting planes; and a plurality of accessory components areproduced in the other one of the parting planes.
 16. The method of claim9, further comprising the step of heating the half-mold with the firstPUR mixture before the flooding step.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the heating step is executed while the preform is produced. 18.The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of subjecting the PURmixture to a compression during the flooding step to contract or expandthe cavity formed in the respective one of the parting planes.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein contraction or expansion of the cavity isimplemented by moving half-molds or inserts in the half-molds relativeto each other.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the execution of thepretreatment is performed by at least one operator; and furthercomprising the step of providing a safety device and allowing a movementof machine parts only when the at least one operator actuates the safetydevice.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the machine parts involvethe middle platen or movable outer platens.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising the steps of defining a safety area, monitoring thesafety area by light barriers, and allowing a movement of the machineparts only when the at least one operator has left the safety area andactuated the safety device.
 23. Apparatus for making multi-componentplastic molded parts, comprising: two outer platens having outerhalf-molds; a middle platen positioned between the outer platens; and aclamping unit for closing and locking four of the half-molds of theouter platens and the middle platen at one time to thereby define twoparting planes; wherein the middle platen carries at least two of afirst type of half-molds that are different from each other and at leasttwo of a second type of half-molds that are different from each other soas to successively form in the parting planes with the half-molds of theouter platens different cavities while leaving free half-molds forallowing pretreatment or a further process step, and wherein the outerhalf-molds are constructed for holding molded parts.
 24. The apparatusof claim 23, further comprising at least one member selected from thegroup consisting of injection units and PUR facility, and constructedfor docking on at least one of the outer and middle platens andhalf-molds of the outer and middle platens.
 25. The apparatus of claim23, wherein the middle platen has four half-molds.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 23, wherein the middle platen is constructed for rotation.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 23, wherein the middle platen has a cube-shaped orprism-shaped configuration and is constructed for rotation about avertical axis or a horizontal axis so as to form, from cycle to cycle,the different cavities in the parting planes.
 28. The apparatus of claim23, wherein the middle platen has two platen areas, said first type ofhalf-molds being arranged on one of the platen areas and cooperate witha half-mold of one outer platen, and said second type of half-moldsbeing arranged on the other one of the platen areas and cooperate with ahalf-mold of the other outer platen, said the middle platen constructedfor linear movement in increments in perpendicular relationship to alongitudinal apparatus axis so as to form the different cavities in thetwo parting planes from cycle to cycle.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28,wherein the middle platen has a plate-shaped configuration.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 23, wherein one of the outer platens is fixed and theother one of the outer platen is movable, said middle platen beingmovable longitudinally between the outer platens on a sliding table. 31.The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the outer platens are movable, saidmiddle platen being fixedly arranged between the outer platens andhaving a cube-shaped configuration, said middle platen having twoadjacent first half-molds cooperating with one of the two movable outerplatens and two adjacent second half-molds cooperating with the otherone of the two movable outer platens.
 32. The apparatus of claim 23,wherein the PUR facility is docked onto each of the half-molds of theouter platens and includes two injection units and two mixing headdocked onto the half-molds of the outer platens in one-to-onecorrespondence.
 33. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein half-molds of oneof the parting planes are constructed for the production of a right partof a pair of plastic molded parts, and half-molds of the other partingplane are constructed for the production of a left part of the pair ofplastic molded parts.
 34. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein half-moldsof one of the parting planes are constructed for the production of amain component, and half-molds of the other parting plane areconstructed for the production of at least one accessory component. 35.The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a safety device adaptedfor actuation by an operator, and a safety area monitored by lightbarriers, wherein a movement of a machine part can be blocked andreleased depending on the safety device and the safety area.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 35, wherein the machine part is the middle platen.37. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising at least one dummymold provided in one of the parting planes.
 38. Apparatus for makingmulti-component plastic molded parts, comprising: two outer platens,each having mounted thereon a plurality of half-molds; a middle platenpositioned between the outer platens; a clamping unit for closing andlocking four of the half-molds of the outer platens and the middleplaten at one time to thereby define two parting planes; wherein themiddle platen has a plurality of mold halves which are constructed tohold molded parts, wherein the outer platens move in increments inrelation to the middle platen to thereby form in increments differentcavities in the two parting planes and leaving free half-molds forallowing pretreatment or a further process step.
 39. The apparatus ofclaim 38, further comprising at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of injection units and PUR facility, and constructed fordocking on at least one of the outer and middle platens and half-moldsof the outer and middle platens.
 40. The apparatus of claim 38, whereinthe outer platens move linearly in relation to the middle platen. 41.The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the outer platens rotate about ahorizontal axis in relation to the middle platen.
 42. The apparatus ofclaim 38, wherein the outer platens are constructed in the form ofsliding tables which are linearly movable in perpendicular relationshipto a longitudinal apparatus axis.
 43. The apparatus of claim 38, whereinthe outer platens are constructed in the form of rotary tables which arerotatable about a horizontal axis.
 44. The apparatus of claim 38,wherein one of the outer platens is fixed and the other one of the outerplaten is movable, said middle platen being movable longitudinallybetween the outer platens on a sliding table.
 45. The apparatus of claim38, wherein the outer platens are movable, said middle platen beingfixedly arranged between the outer platens and having a cube-shapedconfiguration, said middle platen having two adjacent first half-moldscooperating with one of the two movable outer platens and two adjacentsecond half-molds cooperating with the other one of the two movableouter platens.
 46. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the PUR facilityis docked to each of the half-molds of the outer platens and includestwo injection units and two mixing heads docked to the half-molds of theouter platens in one-to-one correspondence.
 47. The apparatus of claim38, wherein half-molds of one of the parting planes are constructed forthe production of a right part of a pair of plastic molded parts, andhalf-molds of the other parting plane are constructed for the productionof a left part of the pair of plastic molded parts.
 48. The apparatus ofclaim 38, wherein half-molds of one of the parting planes areconstructed for the production of a main component, and half-molds ofthe other parting plane are constructed for the production of at leastone accessory component.
 49. The apparatus of claim 38, furthercomprising a safety device adapted for actuation by an operator, and asafety area monitored by light barriers, wherein a movement of a machinepart can be blocked and released depending on the safety device and thesafety area.
 50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the machine part isthe middle platen.
 51. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising atleast one dummy mold provided in one of the parting planes.